As the best player on the best high school softball team in the state, Emily McCutcheon was the best choice for Gatorade Alaska Softball Player of the Year honors.
The South junior led the Wolverines to a second consecutive state title after batting 9-for-15 at the tournament with three home runs, five doubles and seven RBIs.
Her performance was an indicator of her impressive impact this season.
McCutcheon hit .658 with 16 home runs and 58 RBIs in 30 games for South (26-3-1). Those are serious power numbers.
“Emily is a monster at shortstop and she is a killer at the plate. She is the kind of athlete every team wants to have on their squad,” said East coach Keith Anderson.
McCutcheon also banged out 16 doubles while posting a .740 on-base percentage and a 1.539 slugging percentage.
With 16 homers, she broke her own team record of 15 set last season.
McCutcheon’s win gives the Cook Inlet Conference 12 straight seasons with the state player of the year.
Gatorade Alaska Softball Player of the Year
2022 – Emily McCutcheon, South
2021 – Sabrina Jolin, South
2020 – Sabrina Jolin, South
2019 – Sabrina Jolin, South
2018 – Daisy Page, East
2017 – Danni Desjarlais, South
2016 – Daisy Page, East
2015 – Taria Page, East
2014 – Taria Page, East
2013 – Pauline Tufi, West
2012 – Pauline Tufi, West
2011 – Pauline Tufi, West
2010 – Brittany Fenumiai, Juneau-Douglas
2009 – Brittany Fenumiai, Juneau-Douglas
2008 – Carrie Ann Laliberte, Juneau-Douglas
2007 – Joanna Schultz, Chugiak
2006 – Hannah Barril, Juneau-Douglas
2005 – Krista Sowers, Bartlett
2004 – Nicci Ward, Chugiak
2003 – Nicci Ward, Chugiak
2002 – Nicci Ward, Chugiak
2001 – Abby Augdahl, Service